FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do I apply?
A: Make sure you meet the requirements:
- Must be at least 17 years of age. We do not discriminate against age, sex, religion, race, color or national origin.
- Must be able to pass Substance Abuse Test
Visit a training center or apply online:
Visit the nearest regional council office and apply in person:
Bring with you:
- Current State or Government issued photo ID
- Copy of birth certificate (Ohio only)
- If Military: copy of DD214
- Any transcripts from high school, GED, or college
Q: Will continued training be available after I graduate?
A: Yes! Journeyman Enhancement classes are provided and you are encouraged to take them. Enhancement classes are available at no charge to the member.
By keeping your skills sharp and learning something new, you are considered a valuable tradesperson to our Contractors.
Q: Is this an accredited program?
A: The Commercial Carpenters Apprenticeship Training Program is monitored and approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, United States Department of Labor.
Upon completion of the program, graduates receive a certificate from the USDOL recognized internationally.
Q: I heard I get a degree?
A: Graduates of the program will receive an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences from Ivy Tech (in Indiana and Kentucky), and 30 college credits from Cuyahoga Community College (in Ohio).
Q: Does the apprenticeship program accept veterans?
A: Yes! We thank you for your service. Through our partnership with Helmets to Hardhats, which helps military service members successfully transition back into civilian life, we offer a means to secure a quality career in the construction industry. For more information, contact your nearest apprenticeship school.
Q: Will I receive benefits?
A: Benefits are paid by employers to provide health insurance, (including dental and vision), and typically start after an approximate 3-month qualifying period. Members are also offered a pension (retirement) plan and an annuity.
Q: Will I have an opportunity for advancement?
A: Yes! A journeyman has a variety of advancement options to pursue such as foreman, superintendent, project manager, safety lead, apprenticeship instructor, senior management/operations, and even CEO or owner.
Just like any career, you will get out of it what you put into it. Check out some of the advanced training the UBC offers.
Q: How much will I get paid?
A: Members are paid a standard wage depending upon the area in which he/she works.
Each area – similar to city limits, but can vary – has a negotiated agreement with contractors in that area on what journeymen are paid. Prior to working in each area, members may ask what the wage agreement is in that area.
These agreements are updated between every six months to three years, to ensure a living standard is met. Contact your local Council Office for wage sheets.
Q: How do I find work?
A: Job placement assistance is provided. An ‘out of work’ list is available to those who are in between jobs and may be contacted if an opportunity becomes available matching his/her qualifications.
Robo calls (automated message) are made to those in a particular Local and matching qualifications, as a dispatch system, if interested in working in another area.
Members are also permitted to solicit his/her own work by calling on signatory contractors.
Q: How much does the apprenticeship cost?
A: The only costs incurred by the apprentice are the purchase of required hand tools, classroom books, and pay union dues. Instructors will share what are the expected hand tools. Books are an estimated $100 per year. Union dues are paid quarterly. Apprentices are not required to pay tuition to attend school.
Q: Do I have to decide which trade I should enroll into right away?
A: Not right away. The best way to get an idea of what you may be interested in is to take a tour of the closest training center and learn more about the tools, training, and jobsite settings. Brochures are available at each location and can help give you an idea of the type of work each trade entails. Local representatives are also available to answer questions about each specific trade.
Q: What if I already have carpentry experience?
A: Contact your nearest council hub office and ask to talk to a representative to schedule an interview.
Q: What if I don’t know anything about carpentry?
A: There is not a requirement to know carpentry to enter the program. Training is three fold, in the classroom, in the workshop, and on the job.
Q: How does the apprenticeship program work?
A:
• Once admitted, the applicant must attend one week (40 hours) of training class every three months for a total of 160 hours per year. In addition, an additional Ivy Tech course each year is also required (Indiana & Kentucky only).
• The applicant must work a minimum of 650 hours every six months or 1300 hours per year, for a union contractor in order to earn his/her advancements through apprenticeship training to earn journeyman status.
• Failure to attend the required training classes or to maintain sufficient work days will delay the six-month to a year pay increases.
• On the job, apprentices work with journeymen to apply classroom and workshop skills.
• Upon successful completion of the four-year apprenticeship training, the apprentice is advanced to Journeyman carpenter, millwright, or floor coverer status.
• Learning a trade is learning skills for life!